3 rookies, Ryan, highlight revamped AP All-Pro Team

The Associated Press 2016 NFL All-Pro Team is showing off the new wave of pro football stars.

Three rookies among 17 first-time selections highlight the team, including Dallas running back Ezekiel Elliott, and Kansas City's Tyreek Hill, who is a unanimous choice as a punt returner.

Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, edging New England's Tom Brady, who was suspended for four games, is another first-time All Pro.

FILE - In this Oct. 16, 2016, file photo, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) celebrates with tight end Levine Toilolo (80) after connecting for a touchdown in the second half of an NFL football game in Seattle. Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan, edging New England's Tom Brady, who was suspended for four games, was selected to The Associated Press 2016 NFL All-Pro Team for the first-time, Friday, Jan. 6, 2016. (AP Photo/Elaine Thompson, File)

Tennessee right tackle Jack Conklin is the other rookie making the revamped roster announced Friday.

"It's special," Elliott said. "Just to be able to come into this league my first year and dominate and just play at the level I'm playing, and just kind of get these honors already as a rookie, it means a lot. I was never even All-American in college. I was never a first-team All-American. I'll never get a Buckeye tree at Ohio State. That's the one thing that I regret the most.

"Kind of seeing it come into the league and making All-Pro this rookie year, it definitely means a lot."

It's the first time since 1981 that so many first-year players made the team. Back then, it was future Hall of Famers Lawrence Taylor and Ronnie Lott, and 1980 Heisman-winning running back George Rogers.

For the first time, the nationwide panel of 50 sports writers and broadcasters who regularly cover the NFL voted for specific positions on the offensive line, a flex player on offense, a fifth defensive back, a punt returner and a special teamer.

With only seven repeaters from last season's squad, the All-Pro Team has a decidedly new flavor not only in alignment, but makeup. Not surprisingly, the Cowboys have the most players selected with five: Elliott, the league's leading rusher; linebacker Sean Lee ; and offensive linemen Tyron Smith (left tackle), Travis Frederick (center) and Zack Martin (right guard).

Kansas City is next with four: Hill, tight end Travis Kelce, safety Eric Berry and cornerback Marcus Peters.

Ryan, the league's top passer (117.1 rating, 38 touchdowns, 7 interceptions), is one of three Falcons, joined by edge rusher Vic Beasley Jr., the NFL's sacks leader with 15 1/2, and wide receiver Julio Jones.

"There are so many things that don't show up on the stat sheet," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said of Ryan. "How many people he's affected on our team. He's a fantastic teammate. That's one of the highest praises you can give to a ballplayer."

"It still means a ton," said Wagner, who led the NFL in tackles. "Those things are hard to come by. I will always be appreciative of the ... All-Pros because you look at guys who have played a long period of time at a very high level and weren't able to get them for whatever reason."

FILE - In this Jan. 1, 2017, file photo, Kansas City Chiefs' Tyreek Hill scores a touchdown on a punt return during the second half of the team's NFL football game against the San Diego Chargers, in San Diego. Three rookies among 17 first-time selections highlight The Associated Press 2016 NFL All-Pro Team, Friday, Jan. 6, 2017, with Kansas City's Tyreek Hill a unanimous choice as punt returner. (AP Photo/Alex Gallardo, File)